The Watchtower of Cartagena

2 years ago

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It has been declared as Asset of Cultural Interest since 2002. The Lighthouse of Cabo de Palos, for its historical importance for navigation through this area of the Mediterranean, has fulfilled its monitoring function of Cartagena since ancient times.

Erect and proud on a rocky mound, the Lighthouse of Cabo de Palos occupies the site, according to Pliny the Elder, which held the foundations of an ancient Phoenician temple in honor of Baal Hammon, the Carthaginian namesake of the Greek god Saturn.

It was not until the sixteenth century when, beset by Barbary piracy of Ottomans corsairs, Carlos I ordered to raise a lookout point on the headland. Then the watchtower of Cartagena was called San Antonio.

Until the nineteenth century the tower kept his stiff figure in full powers. However, the authorities of the time decided to demolish it and use each ashlar to raise the current Cabo de Palos Lighthouse.

Its focal height rises 81 meters above sea level and the two emitting flashes every 10 seconds, warn mariners sailing near the coast of Murcia. That white light is distinguable from 23 nautical miles, more than 40 kilometers away.

The work of Cartagena Watchtower for the safety of navigation is indisputable, in an area -Cabo de Palos and Islands Ants- especially troubled by its steep and dangerous funds.

In fact, is still remembered in sailor’s annals, the sinking of the ocean liner Sirius, which killed hundreds of people. The remains are still in Cabo de Palos, at great depth and are a flotsam for divers who need permission to dive into.